40 Things I’ve Learned in 40 Years

In 1977 the first Apple Computer went on sale. Quebec adopted French as the official language. Jimmy Carter was elected as the President of United States, the first oil flowed through the Trans Alaskan Oil Pipeline, and Elvis Presley died at aged 42. (thepeoplehistory.com)

Newborn, funky head shaped, alien looking, me.

On July 17th of that same year, at a little after 6pm, a baby girl (me) was born and the world was never the same.Okay, the world never being the same might be a stretch, but I do believe I’ve made a positive impact during my 40 years on this planet. My parents raised me to be a good person and to always do the right thing. If anything I’ve been successful at that.

(Side note: Star Wars was also released that year and I’m fairly certain that it was I who brought balance to the force. Not that Anakin guy.)I am 40 years old. It’s so weird to say that out loud. When I was a kid I thought 40 was old and I couldn’t even imagine myself at that age. Then suddenly I was 16 and driving and a year later graduating high school. Before I knew it I was turning 21, and then the dreaded 30 (which actually wasn’t so bad) And now 40. Nothing has really prepared me for this. I mean, I’ve seen lots of other people turn 40 but never really thought about how I would feel once I got here. I have good days and bad days, but today is a good day and I’m feeling hopeful. I’m learning to embrace my age (baby steps) and not let it get me down. I have an amazing husband who always, always puts me first and a small, but loyal circle of friends who are always there for me when I need them. I’m lucky to not only have two amazing parents, but I also have two wonderful step-parents, and a mother-in-law and father-in-law who all love me, support me, and they have set the bar for the kind of person I continually strive to be.

Fun fact: I still have that double chin you see in the top left corner photo. The middle left photo was right around the time that I nearly gave my mother a heart attach after cutting off part of one of my pony tails.

For the most part it’s been a really good 40 years. I will always be a work in progress, but aren’t we all? Life is an ever constant cycle of growth and learning. Speaking of learning, I thought I’d share with you all some of the important life lessons I’ve learned thus far. Some are funny, some are serious, but they’re all valuable lessons and now that I’m 40 I feel qualified to impart a little bit of wisdom to you, my faithful readers.

Here we go – 40 Things I’ve Learned in 40 Years:

I’ll always need my parents no matter how old I am.

I’ll never be able to fold a fitted sheet properly. Unlike my Nanny, who could fold one perfectly.

You’re never too old to find love again. I found my true love at 37 and we’re happily married.

I still don’t like Brussels sprouts (aka Tiny Little Cabbage Imposters) and most likely never will. My taste buds haven’t evolved as well as I have.

Life isn’t fair. You win some, you lose some.

Forgiveness is hard, but it makes you feel better and helps you grow.

Be proud of accomplishments. Big or small.

Say “I love you ” often, and mean it.

Words matter and they have consequences. Words have the power to comfort and heal, but they also have the power to hurt and destroy.

Never speak out of anger. Think before you speak and try not to say things you regret. Words, once spoken, can never be taken back.

It’s okay to be quirky and weird. Own it and be proud of it.

Sometimes it’s better to not fit in than to follow the crowd. Be yourself. Always.

OCD only gets worse with age. The number of times each night I check to make sure the front door is locked increases every day. (That should read: The number of times I ask Mr. Miller to check the front door. Usually after he’s already in bed. I’m sorry.)

Friends come and go, but that’s okay. Some people have expiration dates.

Some people just suck as human beings and can be cruel. Be kind to them anyway. I’m still working on this because most of the time I just want to throat punch them.

Always do the right thing even when no one is looking.

Stick with what you believe, not what you’re told to believe.

Some people never left high school. Adulthood is full of pettiness and drama. Avoid those people.

Never ask Google for medical advice. I’ve gone from having a mild headache to clinically dead in 3 clicks.

Be careful what you put on the internet because the internet is forever.

Fun fact: I still have this shirt.

(Fun fact: I share a birthday with David “The Hoff” Hasselhoff [25 years apart, obviously]. Back in 1982 there was this epic TV show called Knight Rider that I absolutely LOVED. Admit it, you loved it too. Or maybe you’re too young. Gawd. Anyway, I remember thinking David Hasselhoff was so dreamy in his half unbuttoned shirt and leather jacket. Now? Not so much. Our love affair ended after watching that video of him [edit: they took the video down. Oh, well. You guys remember that video though right?!] drunk on the floor chowing down on a cheeseburger. Sorry, David.)

Thank you, thank you to each of you that faithfully read my posts. I love sharing parts of my life with you and I’m learning a lot about myself through this humble little blog. I may have just turned 40, but I still get carded for alcohol, so that’s something. But it’s probably only because they have to. Oh well, I’ll take it. Happy Birthday to me and here’s to the next 40 years!

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I'm Michelle Miller (AKA That Mrs. Miller) and I am a photographer, planner junkie and certified craft supply hoarder. My husband Mike and I are "Mom and Dad" to a super awkward pug/chihuahua named Tini, and a tortoiseshell kitty (with a male name), Boo Radley. My blog is a hodge-podge of photos, crafting, odd bits about my life, and everything else in between, so take a look around and thanks for stopping by!